10 Years of the Galway Statement
On Wednesday 5th of July 2023, ASTRAL Project representatives joined European and international Atlantic partners in celebration of 10 years of the Galway Statement. The milestone event kicked off in the Iveagh House in Dublin and continued Thursday and Friday in Galway at the Marine Institute and the University of Galway.
The goal of the event was to celebrate a decade of marine research cooperation across the Atlantic Ocean. Participants showcased and reflected on the achievements of the All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance (AAORIA), and explored future plans through open dialogue and intergenerational discussion.
Elisa Ravagnan, ASTRAL Project Coordinator presented at both the high-level meeting in Dublin and the scientific meeting in Galway. Her presentation showcased the development of new, sustainable, profitable and resilient value chains for IMTA production. Providing a glimpse into the future and highlighting the transformative potential of emerging technologies.
The ECOPS (Early Career Ocean Professionals), ASTRAL representative Marissa Brink-Hull and Aquavitae representative Mayleen Schlund partook in a multidisciplinary discussion to advocate for sustainable and inclusive aquaculture in the Atlantic. Commenting on the event a participant said,
“We are confident that our future is in good hands with such inspired and committed young scientists.”
The Galway Statement is a landmark agreement signed by representatives of the European Union, the United States and Canada who agreed to join forces on Atlantic Ocean Research. The goal was to better understand the Atlantic Ocean and promote the sustainable management of its resources.
Parallel to the Belém statement, and more recently the AAORIA statement, the Galway Statement underscores the importance of sustainable development in aquaculture, aiming to balance profitable value chains with environmental preservation. These principles guide efforts to ensure the sustainability of aquaculture by integrating scientific research into policy decision-making. Practices that are crucial for the future growth of the ASTRAL Project.
